Instant Analysis – NFL Draft Rounds Two and Three

We thought the second round would bring us the early picks of Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy.  We were wrong.  However, some picks on Friday did some serious damage to some existing players many coaches own as well as gave some serious opportunities to some rookies.

Dexter McCluster WR KC

No, that’s not a typo.  The Chiefs introduced him as a receiver.  That takes a lot of the confusion away from this pick, as it made little sense pairing him with Jones and Charles in the Chiefs backfield.  I see him as a souped up Dante Hall in KC.  He could have landed in a much better spot.

Arrelious Benn WR TB

Benn landed in a very good spot here.  The Bucs have only Michael Clayton and Sammie Stroughter standing in the way of Benn becoming a starter.  While few rookie WRs make an instant impact, I think Benn will be forced in sooner rather than later and I see him as a top-15 rookie pick.

Rob Gronkowski TE NE

It must stink to wait in that green room, but you could tell Gronkowski was thrilled to be picked by NE.  The team alone should have him considered right with Jermaine Gresham as this year’s first TE off the board.

Jimmy Clausen QB CAR

I can’t imagine what this must have been like for Jimmy.  Ironically, many scouts thought he needed to be humbled a little.  Well, this should do it!  The good news was this landing spot should be perfect for him.  It was looking like he could be a long-term backup for a while as he kept slipping, but Matt Moore is likley not the permanent man in Carolina.  Throw in Steve Smith and a dynamite running game and you have yourself a perfect fit.  I see Clausen as a top-12 pick.

Toby Gerhart RB MIN

Oh boy, this was a major disappointment.  Many coaches were hoping to see Gerhart end up in Houston or New England, but he wound up in Minnesota. Barring a Peterson injury, he’s going to be Mike Alstott.

Ben Tate RB HOU

Perfect guy in a perfect spot.  Tate has been a fast riser due to his impressive year and combine performance.  He isn’t the most dynamic runner, but he’s strong and fast.  Look for him to become the Texans three-down option if Slaton can’t carve out a 3rd down role.  Regardless, he’s a top-6 pick in dynasty leagues.

Montario Hardesty RB CLE

Not too many places would have been better for Hardesty, either.  Cleveland showed they really wanted him by moving three picks in later rounds to get up and take him (rumor has it that Seattle was interested one pick later).  Hardesty will be a two -down back at the least, with Harrison being a change of pace option.  I see Hardesty as a top-8 pick as well.

Golden Tate WR SEA

Tate is a great fit for Seattle.  He excels at running after the catch and goes to a team with very little depth at WR.  I see Tate going in the top 15 of Dynasty drafts.

Ed Dickson TE BAL

He’s a clear notch down from Gresham and Gronkowski, but there are worse teams to go to than Baltimore.  Rice and Boldin are 1 and 1A in the red zone, but Dickson could clear Heap out of the way in a couple of years, or until Heap hurts himself.  I see Dickson as a top 2o pick.

Damian Williams WR TEN

This team has clearly abandoned the WR position for years.  I’m not sure about Damian Williams’ ability, but he’ll have some chances in a core that really only has Kenny Britt and an underwhelming Jared Cook.  I could see him in the top 20 as well.

Brandon LaFell WR CAR

Congrats Steve Smith!  You’re STILL the #1 in Carolina.  LaFell was a big disappointment last year, but he’ll have a chance to make an impression in Carolina.  If you take him, I’d suggest patience.  He’s a top 25 pick.

Emmanuel Sanders WR PIT

Sleeper!  I liked what I saw from Sanders in the June Jones high flying offense and he landed in a good spot.  He certainly won’t threaten Ward or Wallace, but I think he can make some noise.  I see him as a top 25 pick as well.

Jordan Shipley WR CIN

Shipley is a no-nonsense hard working guy who takes a lot of punishment, but gets up every time.  He’s  the perfect slot guy – something the Bengals have been missing for some time.  This is an obvious admission that the Bengals made some mistakes with the last two WRs they took early.  I like Shipley in the top 20 or so as well, especially in PPR leagues.

Colt McCoy QB CLE

Wow.  I didn’t see this one coming.  If the Browns wanted him THAT bad, they would have just taken him.  At least he’ll face no early pressure.  In the end, it’s the perfect offense for Colt and he’ll be a top 15-20 selection.

Eric Decker WR DEN

I didn’t even mention Eddie Royal in my last post with Bronco receivers because I didn’t believe that McDaniels thinks he has a future with them…at least a productive one.  I think Decker and Thomas make up the tandem of the future in Denver.  Sorry Eddie, but things aren’t looking good.  I’d take Decker in the top 25.

Andre Roberts WR ARI

Roberts has talent, but he’ll be buried on this depth chart if he makes the team. Watch the preseason and minicamp reports on this one.

Armanti Edwards WR CAR

The Panthers just COULDN’T make it through a draft without throwing away a good pick to draft a project.  In this case, they gave up a future #2 to NE for Edwards, a converted QB best known for leading Appalachian State to a win at Michigan.  I have a feeling that’s what he’ll always be known for.

Taylor Price WR NE

Any NE WR should be on your radar.

Tony Moeaki TE HOU

Keep an eye on him if Owen Daniels doesn’t seem to be progressing well.  He’s an insurance pick for the Texans.

Jimmy Graham TE NO

I’d keep Graham on my list for the 20s as well.  Shockey has been either inconsistent or hurt and I think I could even catch a TD or two on this team.

A few guys who have seen their value drop today..

1. Matt Moore QB CAR
2. Adrian Peterson (just a little, though as Gerhart could swipe some TDs)
3. Steve Slaton and Arian Foster RBs HOU
4. Jerome Harrison and James Davis RBs CLE